If You’re Going to a Kentucky Derby Party, Listen To This First
The 2-minute race everyone talks about
The Kentucky Derby is one of the biggest sporting events of the year, but if you’re not a horse racing expert, it can feel overwhelming.
In this episode of Last Night’s Game, we break down the Kentucky Derby 2026 in a way that’s approachable, fun, and perfect for real-life conversations.
Known as the “most exciting two minutes in sports,” the Derby is the first leg of the Triple Crown and one of the most tradition-rich events in sports. But it’s also about much more than the race, from iconic fashion and oversized hats to mint juleps and high-stakes betting.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
• Why there’s never been a repeat Kentucky Derby winner
• How the Triple Crown works and why it’s so hard to win
• Who to cheer for in this year’s race
• How to understand betting terms like win, place, and show
• And the cultural traditions that make the Derby such a unique experience
Whether you’re attending a Derby party or want to feel more confident in sports conversations, this episode gives you exactly what to know and what to say.
The Last Night's Game podcast is here to take the awkwardness out of the conversation and help you join the sports conversation, even if you don't know the first thing about sports. We break down what's happening in sports in an easy-to-understand, fun way without all of the statistics and jargon, so you never have to exit stage left when the chatter at the office, dinner table or networking event switches to sports.
You can always catch us between podcasts at www.lastnightsgame.com or on social media. If you love us, leave us a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. And if you have feedback or questions, you can email us at theteam@lastnightsgame.com.
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Chunk of Gold, Jello Shots and the Fastest Two Minutes in Sports
Grab your hat and hold your mint julep — it's Kentucky Derby time! We're breaking down everything you need to know about the "most exciting two minutes in sports" (plus the hours of partying before it). From record-breaking trainers and funny horse names to why you might spot a pink unicorn behind Scott's couch, we're covering it all. Bonus: Some horse betting tips so you don’t sound like a rookie.
The Last Night's Game podcast is here to take the awkwardness out of the conversation and help you join the sports conversation, even if you don't know the first thing about sports. We break down what's happening in sports in an easy-to-understand, fun way without all of the statistics and jargon, so you never have to exit stage left when the chatter at the office, dinner table or networking event switches to sports.
You can always catch us between podcasts at www.lastnightsgame.com or on social media. If you love us, leave us a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. And if you have feedback or questions, you can email us at theteam@lastnightsgame.com.
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Saddle Up for Style, Southern Cuisine And Spectacular Races: Your Guide to the Kentucky Derby
The fastest two minutes in sports.
Instagram/kentuckyderby
Get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant world of the Kentucky Derby with our latest podcast episode. Discover the perfect blend of sports, fashion and culinary delights as we delve into this iconic horse racing event. We have all the highlights covered, from extravagant hats to delectable Southern cuisine like pimento cheese and mint juleps. Explore the creative and humorous horse names that add to the excitement, and learn about the different types of bets to make your Derby experience unforgettable. Tune in now and saddle up for a thrilling ride through Derby Day.
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Sports Curious, presented by Last Night's Game, is here to take the awkwardness out of the conversation and help you join the sports conversation, even if you don't know the first thing about sports. We break down what's happening in sports in an easy-to-understand, fun way without all of the statistics and jargon, so you never have to exit stage left when the chatter at the office, dinner table or networking event switches to sports.
You can always catch us between podcasts at www.lastnightsgame.com or on social media. If you love us, leave us a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. And if you have feedback or questions, you can email Amy at amy@lastnightsgame.com.
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You can always catch us between podcasts at www.lastnightsgame.com or on social media. If you love us, leave us a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. And if you have feedback or questions, you can email Amy at amy@lastnightsgame.com.
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Why The Kentucky Derby Is Our Favorite Event Of The Year
Where else can you find a sport where it's only 2 minutes once a year?
Photo: Instagram/kentuckyderby
(Podcast length - 21:06 mins)
Giddy up! Everyone's favorite excuse to wear big hats, eat and bet on horses takes place this Saturday, May 6, and here's why it's one of our favorite events. (Who doesn’t love a reason to wear a big hat)??
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You can always catch us between podcasts at www.lastnightsgame.com or on social media. If you love us, leave us a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. And if you have feedback or questions, you can email Amy at amy@lastnightsgame.com.
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Why The Kentucky Derby Is Our Favorite Event Of The Year
Always a sure bet for a good time. If not, there are mint juleps.
(Podcast length 5 mins)
Giddy up! Everyone's favorite excuse to wear big hats, eat and bet on horses takes place this Saturday, May 7, and here's why it's one of our favorite events.
Transcript
BLINK, AND YOU'LL MISS IT
The Derby is the "most exciting two minutes in sports" because that's how long it takes for the horses to run the 1¼ mile track at Churchill Downs in Louisville, KY. It's the first race of the famed Triple Crown. It's followed by the Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes. This year will be the first time since 2019 that there are no attendance restrictions at the Derby. SHORT AND SWEET
One person you won't see there in his signature blue-tinted glasses is six-time Derby-winning trainer Bob Baffert. The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission stripped Baffert's horse in last year's Derby, Medina Spirit, of his Derby title in the wake of the horse testing positive for the banned race-day substance. Medina Spirit died unexpectedly last year.
THE NAMES OF THE HORSES
Try naming a horse – it's not as easy as it seems. There are so many rules set forth by the Jockey Club to abide by when naming a horse. Of course, nothing racy is approved, but names like Sexy Pork Chop, Hoochiecoochiemama, Bodacious Tatas and Hardawn (say it aloud) have slipped past the reviewers. WE'D PAY TO HEAR ANNOUNCERS READ THOSE NAMES ON TV
THE OUTFITS
The long-standing tradition of Derby hats started with the goal of having high-class spectators attend the race. The Derby hat as we know it didn't come around until the 1960s when fashion norms loosened up and big, bright and festive colors were socially acceptable. THE BEST CELEBRITY DERBY HATS
PS - If you're attending a Derby party and need something to wear, check our friend Amy Ann over at Straight A Style for some Derby dress ideas.
PLACE YOUR BETS
The horses in the Derby are all three-year-old males. You'll never see a horse win the Derby twice because they're only allowed to race when they're three, and that's it. Keep an eye on the favorite in the Derby, Zandon. Then there's Crown Pride hoping to achieve the title of Japan's first winner of a Triple Crown race. Then there’s the horse Cyberknife, whose name comes from a cancer treatment that helped his owner beat prostate cancer. WHAT’S IN A NAME?
Win, place, show? Betting on the Derby can be confusing, so here's our betting on horses 101.
LIFESTYLES OF THE RICH AND FAMOUS (HORSES)
Ever wonder how these high-priced horses get from one race to another? Air Horse One. No, really. They fly on a Boeing 727 cargo plane nicknamed "Air Horse One." It's equipped with stalls built around the horse and even inflight snacks. Tex Sutton Equine Air transports about 2,500 horses per year. AND YOU THOUGHT BUSINESS CLASS WAS EXPENSIVE.
COCKTAILS GALORE
The mint julep has been the official cocktail of the Derby since 1938. The drink is made with Woodford Reserve bourbon (the official sponsor of this year's event). Over 120,000 juleps are sold every year at the Derby on a typical year. This year, Woodford Reserve is selling special mint julep cups. Of the 148 cups, 18 are gold and retail for $2,500, and 130 are silver and retail for $1,000, with sales benefitting a non-profit for retired thoroughbred horses. BOTTOMS UP
Sports Curious, presented by Last Night's Game, is here to take the awkward out of the conversation and help you join the sports conversation, even if you don't know the first thing about sports. We break down what's happening in sports in an easy-to-understand, fun way without all of the statistics and jargon, so you never have to exit stage left when the chatter at the office, dinner table or networking event switches to sports.
You can always catch us between podcasts at www.lastnightsgame.com or on social media. If you love us, make sure to leave us a review wherever you listen to your podcasts.
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6 Reasons Why The Kentucky Derby Is Our Favorite Event Of The Year
From the outfits to the cocktails to the horses with naughty names.
(Podcast length - 5:35 mins)
Grab your bonnet, official mint julep and let’s go.
Transcript
Here’s why it’s one of our favorite events:
BLINK AND YOU’LL MISS IT
The Derby is often referred to as the “most exciting two minutes in sports” because that’s how long it takes for the horses to run the 1¼ mile track at Churchill Downs in Louisville, KY. It’s the first race of the famed Triple Crown. It's followed by the Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes. SHORT AND SWEET
THE NAMES OF THE HORSES
What’s in a name? Well, try naming a horse – it’s not as easy as it seems. There are so many rules set forth by the Jockey Club to abide by when naming a horse. Of course, nothing racy is approved, but names like Sexy Pork Chop, Hoochiecoochiemama, Bodacious Tatas and Hardawn (say it aloud) have slipped past the reviewers. WE’D PAY TO HEAR ANNOUNCERS READ THOSE NAMES ON TV
THE OUTFITS
After last year’s Derby was postponed until September and with only a few fans, this year’s race will include fans, albeit a smaller than usual crowd. Around 45,000 fans will don their Derby hats to watch the race. (Normal capacity is 165,000). Speaking of Derby hats, the long-standing tradition started with a goal to have high-class spectators attend the race. The Derby hat as we know it didn’t come around until the 1960s when fashion norms loosened up and big, bright and festive colors were socially acceptable. THE BEST CELEBRITY DERBY HATS
PS - If you’re attending a Derby party and need something to wear, check our friend Amy Ann over at Straight A Style for some Derby dress ideas.
PLACE YOUR BETS
The horses in the Derby are all three-year-old males. You’ll never see a horse win the Derby twice because they’re only allowed to race when they’re three, and that’s it. Keep an eye on the favorite in the Derby, Essential Quality. Other horses with cool stories (or names) include Hot Rod Charlie, owned by a few former Brown football players who named their horse after a drinking game they played in college. Then there’s Midnight Bourbon, which hopefully, unlike choosing a bourbon as the clock strikes twelve, is a good choice. COCKTAILS ANYONE?
Curious how one bets on horses? It's simple - let us show you how. PONIES 101
LIFESTYLES OF THE RICH AND FAMOUS (HORSES)
Ever wonder how these high-priced horses get from one race to another? Air Horse One. No, really. They fly on a Boeing 727 cargo plane nicknamed “Air Horse One.” It’s equipped with stalls built around the horse and even inflight snacks. Tex Sutton Equine Air transports about 2,500 horses per year. AND YOU THOUGHT BUSINESS CLASS WAS EXPENSIVE.
COCKTAILS GALORE
The mint julep has been the official cocktail of the Derby since 1938. The drink is made with Woodford Reserve bourbon (the official sponsor of this year’s event). On a normal year, over 120,000 juleps are sold every year at the Derby. BOTTOMS UP
Sports Curious presented by Last Night's Game, is here to take the awkward out of the conversation and help you join the sports conversation, even if you don't know the first thing about sports. We break down what's happening in sports in an easy-to-understand, fun way without all of the statistics and jargon so you never have to exit stage left when the chatter at the office, dinner table or a networking event switches to sports.
You can always catch us between podcasts at www.lastnightsgame.com or on social media. If you love us, make sure to leave us a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. And if you have feedback or questions, you can email Amy at amy@lastnightsgame.com.